Packing the right camera gears for Photokina is like finding the
correct outfit for the Academy Awards. Not that I have been invited;
but I guess the stress level is pretty much the same.
My initial idea was to have everything covered; X-T2 with XF16,
XF35mm F1.4 and XF90mm. Plus X100T as a back up camera.
On the very last minute I change my mind like a wishy-washy
photographer. So the final set-up was X-Pro2 with a sliver XF23mm F2
and XF16-55mm F2.8 plus a X70 to quench my thirst for selfie.
Why this set-up? I love how X-Pro2 looks when mated with the silver
XF23mm F2. Has a very vintage look plus its weather resistant.(WR).
I think it will look gorgeous even for the Academy Awards. XF23mm
F2 is a perfect lens for street, environmental portraits and documentary
photography.
Why XF16-55mm F2.8? Not my favorite lens as I am more a sucker for prime
lens kind of photographer. But its the best option if I needed a zoom lens
with prime lens results. Plus its also WR. Perfect walk about zoom lens
ideal for anything that pops up.
This trip to Photokina I had the pleasure of having my fellow X-Photographer
along. Mindy Tan is a superb wedding and documentary photographer.
(www.mindytan.com) We had pockets of free time for 4 days during Photokina,
where we will comb the street of Cologne. I told her that I will just document
her shooting her street documentary style photography. As a commercial
photographer; street photography is not my forte and therefore I will
photograph her instead of strangers from the streets which may just scream
at me for trying to photograph them.
I was amaze by her ability and charm to stop a total stranger and ask for a
quick portrait session on the street. If only I had this skill in my younger days
with girls. I asked Mindy for a shot with her X-T2. And that inspire me to take
a leap of faith and try shooting portraits of photographers with their beloved
camera at Photokina. Here is the birth of my first street portrait. All shot with
X-Pro2 + XF23mm F2. Thank you Mindy for the inspiration.
As mention, here are my series of Mindy at work.
Do join me in Instagram @ivanjoshualoh
Fancy pictures